Santiago: Phillies can become World Series contenders if they land Patrick Corbin

The Phillies displayed Patrick Corbin at Citizens Bank Park during his visit to Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Chris Jones on Twitter.com. @LONG_DRIVE

In the beginning of August, the Philadelphia Phillies were in the running for a top spot in the National League East.

On Aug. 5, the Phillies were 15 games over .500 with a record of 63-48.

They finished the season two games below .500 after going 17-34 the remainder of the season. Although the season may be viewed as a disappointment, the Phillies’ 80 wins was the team’s highest since 2012.

This off-season, the Phillies are trying to put the club in position to snap its seven year playoff drought by acquiring new talent. They’re making their push to sign free agent left-hander Patrick Corbin of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He finished last season with an 11-7 record and an ERA of 3.15. In 200 innings, he struck out 246 hitters and ended up placing fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting.

Today, Corbin paid a visit to Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies hope to add the pitcher to their rotation. In an off-season that will show Philadelphia as prime-time buyers, the Phillies definitely have their eyes set on the left-hander and aren’t hiding it from anyone.

Aaron lNola and Rhys Hoskins are undoubtedly the biggest stars on the Phillies. Aside from finishing top-three in Cy Young voting, Nola ended 2018 with a 2.37 ERA, good enough for second in the NL and fourth in the MLB. Hoskins finished the season with 34 home runs, 96 RBI, 38 doubles and drew 87 walks.

This off-season, Washington Nationals’ outfielder Bryce Harper and Los Angeles Dodgers’ infielder Manny Machado are going into free agency. Two of the top players in the game are free to choose their next team while in their prime years.

Philly is the perfect fit.

The signing of Harper and Machado would bolster the lineup of a team who already has two established stars and instantly transform them from contending for a postseason spot to being a front-runner to win the World Series.

It’s now been a decade since the Phillies won their 2008 World Series, but last season proved that there is now finally a shift in tides. From 2012 until now, the Phillies never finished over .500. In the 2018 season, despite going under .500, the Phillies were a postseason contender for much of the season.

These guys could change everything.

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